Advance Scout: White Sox, May 19-21. "The message has been sent to Konerko, Thomas, Ordonez et al., and the Jays can't expect a cakewalk this week. A win tonight would set a good tone for the series for our .500 boys, but a breakout game for Chisox hitters might wake up their bats that won't stay slumbering forever. Who would have ever guessed that as of May 19, the White Sox would only be able to count on sending Esteban Loaiza to the All-Star Game in front of their home fans in July?" (Batter's Box)

Prospectus Triple Play: Marlins, Yankees, Pirates. "One of Lloyd McLendon's strengths as a manager is that he doesn't point fingers when his ball club is floundering. However, even he has a breaking point. Thursday, following the Corsairs' 11th loss in 13 tries, the skipper took the opportunity to blast one of his players in the press. The amusing aspect is that his target was Kris Benson, the number one starter in a pretty good Pirates' starting rotation. McLendon's misplaced grousing was not unlike blaming your car's brakes when the engine doesn't turn over in the morning." (Baseball Prospectus)

Bi-Weekly Review: N.L. West. "Los Angeles has had the best pitching in the league, and that’s after accounting for Dodger Stadium. The bullpen has been outstanding, but wear and tear and luck is starting to catch up with them." (Baseball Primer)

Bruce Markusen's Cooperstown Confidential for May 16. "As Kansas City’s manager in the early 1970s, [Jack] McKeon apparently lobbied for a trade that would have sent slugging first baseman John Mayberry and shortstop Freddie "The Flea" Patek to the Yankees for a package of four players. In return, the Royals would have received All-Star catcher Thurman Munson, standout center fielder Bobby Murcer, first baseman Chris Chambliss, and shortstop Jim Mason. Wow. If the deal had come to fruition, the course of American League history would have been altered significantly." (Baseball Primer)

Aaron Gleeman reports from Saturday night's Twins/White Sox game. "Besides seeing the Twins beat the White Sox, I also got a chance to the see the greatest catch I have ever witnessed in person. In that troublesome 7th inning for Mays, Carlos Lee hit a deeeep drive to centerfield. As soon as it left the bat, a couple of White Sox fans sitting by me yelled out: 'There it goes! Yeah baby!' It was high, it was deep and appeared to be heading way over the fence. Of course, I forgot we had Torii Hunter." (Aaron's Baseball Blog)